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These days, traveling to Germany as a U.S. citizen is straightforward and simple. Unless you're in the military, you plan to stay longer than three months or your passport is about to expire, all you'll need for your visit to Germany is a valid passport. For stays shorter than three months, no additional tourist or business visas are necessary.

Schengen Agreement

The Schengen Agreement between the U.S. and 26 European countries states that U.S. citizens are allowed to travel to any of these countries, including Germany, without a visa. This only applies to trips that are up to 90 days or stays in Germany of up to 90 days within a six-month time frame. After the maximum number of days have been reached, you must exit the Schengen region and wait at least 90 days before re-entering without a visa. To enter a country that is party to the Schengen Agreement, including Germany, your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned stay.

Traveling from Germany to Other Countries

As a precaution, the U.S. Department of State points out that if you're a U.S. citizen traveling from Germany en route to another country, additional requirements for your passport may apply. For example, other countries may require that your passports are at least six months valid or that your passport book includes a minimum number of pages. Without meeting these passport requirements, you may not be able to board your connecting flight from Germany.

Military

If you're in the military being assigned a post in Germany, you are required by the NATO Status of Forces Agreement to have your passport explicitly state your military status. This also applies to all family members who are moving with you. Additionally, for U.S. military personnel and family members staying longer than three months, valid SOFA cards will allow them to remain in and exit Germany without a visa.

Studying and Working Abroad

If you're studying for longer than three months or working abroad in Germany, your passport needs to be valid for the duration of your stay, as well as six additional months. You'll also need to obtain either a student visa or residence permit that explicitly states that you can work in Germany.

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